, John D'Alton's article, with
historic
and
chap, vii.
chap, vii.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v4
likely,
3' Tlie old annalist remarks, that went they
westwards ; but south-westwanily probably describes much better, their line of march. Westwards will apply to the men of Con- naught, who belonged to the host, but not to those of Ossory, who dwelt southwards of the point, where their dispersion took place. In the Co5«T)h jAeoheL He SatLAibli, their course, when disbanded, is correctly given.
3^ Those living in England.
Gaedhii].
Calvus Perennis [lit.
[this],
Bald for ever," i. e.
I have written that is
Mael-suthain] in the sight [under the eyes] of Brian Emperor of the Scots, and what I have written he determined for all the kings of Macerlae {i. e. , Cashel or Munster"]. See ibid. Explanation of the Fac-Similes. R. pp. 653. 654-
3' See Professor Eugene O'Curry's "Lec- tures on the Manuscript Materials of Ancient Lrish History," Lect. xvi. , p. 343.
"
[I]
a
gift, that deserved his thanks.
without receiving
horse,
other
Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 752, 753.
3* The place of this name, referred to by
the Four Masters, at the years 770, 778, 868, 969, is the present Castle Kieran, near Kells, in the county of Meath. But, from references to the sea and to the plain of Bre-
gia, in this passage, it would appear, that the Belach-duin, here mentioned, was in the present county of Louth. It is probably in- tended for Belach-Duna-Dealgan, i. e. , the road or pass of Dundalk, according to Dr.
372 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
naval expedition ; and, it is said, he summoned the Gaill of Ath-Cliath and of Port Lairge, as likewise, the mariners of Ui Ceinnselaigh and of the Ui Eathach ofMumhain,totakepartinit. Thisexpeditionappearstohavebeenthreatened,
againsttheSaxons,^^theBritons,39andtheScotsofAlban/" Inthehistory of these people, we find no records, regarding that maritime invasion. How- ever, about this period, the Saxons suffered greatly under tlie Scandinavian oppressions ;<' and, they were obliged to purchase their temporary safety, by paying large tributes to the conquerors. •'' We are at a loss to know, whether Bryan's ships were sent against the Northmen, settled in Saxonland, or against the Saxons themselves. Again, the people of Wales had to sustain repeated attacks from the Danes and from the Irish. ''3 In Scotland, that invasion must have occurred, during the reign of Malcolm II. , an able prince and a renowned leader ;'>'> but, it seems most probable, that he was in friendly alliance with Bryan, who only waged war with his enemies, the Norsemen in Scotland. The chiefs, commanding the Irish fleet, demanded and levied a heavy tribute from the people, whose shores they invaded. Hostages and pledges more- over were demanded and. taken for its exact payment. •ts
After his coronation at Tara, a Feis or national assembly was then convened, by Bryan. In it, many new and wholesome laws and regulations were framed. '*^ Here, too, the national history and records were revised, by his orders. One of thegreatsocialchanges,thatmarkedhisreign,mustbenoticed. Hegavesur- names as a distinction, to all the leading families of his time, and this was a well- considered measure of convenience and of policy. Knowing the great advan- tages to be derived from the preservation of pedigrees and genealogies, as also, in order to avoid probable confusion and mistake, in recording them, to Bryan Boiroimhe is attributed the idea of establishing surnames for the principal tribal chiefs and families of Ireland,^? so as thus to distinguish the several stocks
or branches of Milesian descent. ''^ Evidences, furnished by our authentic annals and pedigrees, are very strong, to support this belief. It is a fact, that the greater number of the more distinguished Irish family names were assumed from ancestors, who were cotemporary with this monarch,49 and who flourished in the tenth or in the beginning of the eleventh century. Each chief, according to Bryan's regulations, was to be called after some certain an- cestor, whose particular virtues should remind him regarding the family origin ; nor were titles to be imposed arbitrarily, as in other countries, according to the direction. Although such a custom had been introduced into Munster, in the days of Ceallachan, and into other provinces, it had been confined to
39 Or the inhabitants of W. nles.
<° These are specified as the Lemhnaigh (Lennox people) of Alba, and the Airer- Gaedhil, or people of Argyle.
* See John Speed's "History of GreatBri-
taine," Book vii. , chap, xliiii. , pp. 393 to
395.
•" See Matthew of Westminster's " Flores
and of arts, as also to every one, v/ho was most in need of it. See CogA'oh JdeDhet He jALliibh, chap, xxviii. , pp. 136, 137.
** According to the Bruodin Chronicle, cited by Dr. Sj'lve. ster O'Halloran. The Bruodins were hereditary historians of North Munster.
" Such is the statement found, in an ori-
gmal Latin MS. , as quoted by John O'Dono- van.
•' In the "Irish Penny Journal," vol, i. , John O'Donovan has written a series of very
Historiarum," pp. 386, 387. "
<3 See Charles Wilkins' Wales, Past and
Present," chap, xiii. , p. 80.
** He ruled from a. D. 1003 to 1033. See
"
Rev. James Taylor's Pictorial History of interesting articles, on the "Origin and
Scotland," vol. i. , chap, iv. , pp. 37, 38.
« We are told, tliat Bryan distributed all this tribute according to established right, viz. : athirdpartofit totheKingof. \th- Cliath ; a tliird to the warriors of Laighin and of the Ui Eathach, of Mumhain; with
another third to the of sciences professors
Meaning of Irish Family Names. " See No. 41, pp. 326 to 328; No. 42, pp. 330 to
332 ; No. 46, pp. 365 to 366 ; No. 48, pp. 381to384; No. 50,pp. 396to398; No. 51, pp. 405 to 407; No. 52, pp. 413 to 415.
*' See itdd. , No. 46, p.
365.
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 373
veryfewfamilies; however,fromthebeginningofBryanBoroimha'sreign, it came into very general use. Thus, from the sovereign of that day, his descendants assumed the name O'Brian, or the descendants of Bryan. From his renowned brother Mahon, the issue of this latter prince retained the title ofMacMahon,orsonsofMahon. Thechiefofeachfamily,althoughbear- ing another name, were distinguished only by a surname, the other brandies and families having their particular name prefixed to it. 5° Territories were allotted to the surnames,5' and such distribution seems to have been desira-
ble, in the interests of prevailing clanship.
This monarch conceived an enlightened idea, applicable to the state of
Ireland, in his time. He found a hierarchy of distinction already existent, and he instituted the degrees of chief, of poet, and of ecclesiastic, 5= with i)ro- bably some special prerogatives allotted to each class. The commons of the kingdom, who were lords of lands, the farmers, and the lowest degree of the people, were endowed with immunities, through the munificence of this prince. He bestowed upon the native Irish, whatever territories he had conquered from the Danes ; and, if those who were the original proprietors happened to be alive, and could give evidence of their right, they were settled and confirmed, in their former possessions. 53 This monarch fixed the boundaries of every
lordship or cantred ; and, such registration, with a title-deed, was a necessary
safeguard, to preserve tlie rights of property.
Bishops and pastors, who had been driven from their places, in conse-
quence of the public disorders prevailing, were restored, through the pious monarch's solicitude and influence. His vigorous, prudent, and Christian
- policy,soonplacedBryanonabasisofpowerandofright,whichlefthimpre- eminentamongthegreatestmenofhisage. Whenhehadwiselyregulatedthe national system, he despatched ambassadors to the different princes of Europe, announcing his election to the Irish monarchy. '* With the embas-
sies were sent fine horses, wolf-dogs and hawks, as presents for the respective kings, for such were the courtesies of that time in Ireland.
Much of the romance and exaggeration in praise of this popular hero must be distrusted, however, and our historians have often exceeded that legiti- mate line of narrative, which alone should interest the candid enquirer. Thus, when it is stated, that Bryan never refused science from the night of his birth to the night of his death,55 we may fairly infer, that when he had the oppor- tunity, he loved to encourage learning and learned men, everywhere through- out his dominions. 5^ Weare even told, that as the Northmen had wantonly destroyed books and writings, in every church and sanctuary, from the begin-
ningtotheendoftheirswayinIreland; hesentlearnedmen,withmoney furnished by himself, to buy books beyond the sea, so that the losses effected,
through fire and water, might thus be replaced, by learned works which they werecommissionedtopurcliase. s? Enoughisknowntoconvinceus,thatacon- siderable improvement in the state of Ireland distinguished the reign of Bryan.
5« " Certain it that the few Irish who 53 0r. " General His- is, Jeoffrey Keating's
have still preserved their family honours, tory of Ireland," translated by Dermod
should, in justice, take precedence of the pre- sent nobilily of Europe, as being allodial, or titles from the most remote antiquity, wher—e- as these lost are at best of modern date. "
"
O'Connor, Book ii. , p. 485.
5* According to the Bruodin Chronicle, cited by O'Halloran.
General His- tory of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, vii. ,
eulogistic fragment, supposed to have been written by Mac Liag.
^^ See Joseph Cooper Walker's " Histori- cal Memoirs of the Irish Bards," sect, iv. ,
p. 59.
s' See Cos^voh 5<iet)liel Tie 5AlLAibJi,
ctap- lJ»3t-, pp. 138, 139,
Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's
p, 255.
5' According to Mac Liag's supposed frag-
ment, relating to Bryan's Life.
5' Accordin to Mac Liag's attributed
fragment.
5S
These are expressions, found in the
374 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
Besides the constant revenue, which arose from the two provinces of Mun- ster, and which was paid yearly into his exchequer,5' other large subsidies
were contributed, when Bryan \yas acknowledged as supreme monarch over Ireland. Schools and colleges 59 arose, wherever they were most required ; while those that had been destroyed by the foreigners, or that had fallen into decay, were revived, in several parts of the kingdom. He appointed pro- fessors and masters, to teach wisdom and knowlege. *° In their nurseries of learning, the liberal sciences with the various branches of sacred and of human knowledge were taught ; public hospices and libraries were built for poor stu- dents, and a provision was made for youth of promising hopes, who were unabletosupportthemselves. Bryananimatedtimidmerit,bywell-grounded hopes. *' Thus were the universities and monasteries enriched, while they were governed by regular discipline, which effected the training of persons having excellent abilities in all professions. The Irish schools revived, and the decayed state of learning no longer existed. The professors not only con- cerned tliemselves, by instructing the youth of their own kingdom, but they were also of excellent use, in polishing and enlightening the rude and illiter- ate of neighbouring nations. '"
The offerings of Bryan, at the shrines of various holy places, are recorded. This generosity affords an additional proof of his zeal for the interests of reli- gion, and of that earnest spirit of piety, which specially marked his grand cha- racter. Many great works and repairs were made by him. 's Religious houses and hospitals were endowed or aided by Bryan, who always delighted in the com- panionship of bishops, priests, and monks ; while this conduct procured for him the zealous support of the secular clergy, and from the regular houses the gratitude of their highly influential inmates. During his reign, the exam- ple and exhortations of the Irish clergy wonderfully facilitated the conversion and civilization of the foreigners. ** The monarch delighted to spend a con- siderable portion of his revenues in founding, building, or repairing sanctua- ries, cathedrals and churches ; while his general and generous alms,*5 towards several religious establishments throughout Ireland, filled the minds of all his subjects with admiration for that munificence, which did not subordinate the spiritual needs both of clergy and laity, to even the exigencies of his civil administration. In addition to the church of Cell Dalua,*' he erected dam- iiacs^'! and diiirtheachs^^ throughout Ireland ; besides seven monasteries and various cells. *? Several of these special erections are noticed. The church on Holy Island,? " Lough Derg, is said to have been restored or remodelled,
by Bryan Boroimhe, when monarch of Ireland, in the early part of the eleventh century, It consisted of a nave, measuring thirty feet internally, and having a breadth of twenty-one feet, the chancel being a square of about
*5 Lands, cattle and furniture were in- eluded among these gifts, as we find them re- corded.
'*' Or Killaloe. See Co5at)1i 5<iet)hel lie jAlliibli, chap. Ixxx. , pp. 138, 139.
'? Interpreted to mean, churches built with stone.
5' See Rev. Dr.
" Gene-
Jeoffrey Keating's
ral History of Ireland, Book ii. , p. 486.
Dermod O'Connor's translation.
59 Called
and Filean
Theological by Joseph Cooper Walker.
Colleges,
*" See CogdX)! ! 5<ser>Viet fie 5Al,tAibli,
chap. Ixxx. , pp. 138, 139.
'' "'*
Supposed to be small penitential cells, or private oratories.
*» According to the Life of Bryan Boroimha, attributed to Mac Liag, his secre-
tary.
'" There is a sketch of this scene, by Ben-
jamin Clayton, in "The Irish Penny Maga- '< See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene- zine," vol. i. . No. 36. It is followed, by ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi.
, John D'Alton's article, with historic and
chap, vii. , p. 255. topogiaphical notices. See pp. 281, 282.
See Joseph Cooper Walker's Histori- cal Memoirs of the Irish Bards," sect. iv. .
'3 See CosAT)! ! jAeoheb Tie jAllAibli,
p. 59.
'" See Dr.
" General History of Ireland," Book ii. , p. 484.
chap. Ixxx. , pp. 138, 139.
Jeoffrey Keating's
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 375
fifteen feet. '' A fine window in the southern wall is round-headed, and it has varied semi-cylindrical mouldings, very deeply cut. ? ^ This style seems pecu-
liar to Ireland, about that period, although its prototypes, most probably, may beelsewherediscovered. Theornamentalportionsofthischurcharechiefly
Old Cfaurch on Inis-Caltra, Lower Shannon.
found, in its western doorway, and in its chancel arch ; although only por- tions of the side walls now remain, in the chancel. These walls are of ashlar masonry, and they differ totally in character from those of the nave. '^ Theyareprobablycotemporaneou^withits ornamentalfeatures,oratleast, with some of them. ? '* A portion of the entrance doorway only remains, at present ; it consisted externally of three concentric and receding semi-circular arches, ornamented on thin faces with chevron-moulding, and carved in hol- low lines. The piers of these arches were rectangular, but somewhat rounded at their angles. They form semi-cylindrical shafts, with angular mouldings on each side; on their capitals are well-shaped human faces, carved in low re- lief. The chancel arch is less distinguished for ornament than the doorway,
. ' In the opinion of Dr. Petrie, these mea-
surements seem to l)e those of St. Caimin's
original church, which was erected in the
seventh century, as appeared obvious to him, from the character of the masonry, and from
some features in the nave, which, if remodel-
led, was never wholly destroyed.
'' It is ornamented with an architrave,
very similar in style to that of the doorways, in many of the Round Towers. Another window is there, which appears to be ori- ginal, having a horizontal bead and inclined
sides. In the middle of the west gable, and towards it? summit, there is a small triangu- lar window, formed of three stones. Dr. Petrie gives illustrations of these several win- dows, m his work.
" The present illustration, drawn on the spot, and transferred to the wood, by William
F. Wakeman, has been engraved by Mrs. Millard.
'* Doubts may be entertained, that all of
these features are of cotemporaneous age, or of very ancient erection.
376 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
and, on its western face, it was formed of three concentric and recessed arches. It is double-faced, on its eastern or inner side. The arches consist simply of square-edged rib-work ; the ornamental sculpture is confined to the piers, whichareroundedintosemi-columns,adornedwithcapitals. 's Itisdoubtful,
whether the doorway and chancel-arch of this church be of cotemporaneous architecture ; but, there is no reason to suppose, that either of them is later than Bryan's time, when the church is stated to have been restored, or re- built. That monarch's restoration is thought, however, to have been confined tothechancel. '' Amongtheworksheinauguratedorcompletedaresaid to have been no less than thirty-two cloichieachs,'''' or bell-towers, which are supposed to have been indentical with our Irish Round Towers. '* One of these erected at Tomgraney,w in the county of Clare, a. d. 964, was repaired byBryanBoroimha. But,wedonotfindacompleteanddetailedlistofhis various ecclesiastical erections.
The early historians reckon this excellent monarch, among the number
of those heroic and munificent kings, that sat upon the Irish throne. They
always mention him, as the third sovereign, whose conduct and heroic virtues
raised the reputation of the Irish, and made them formidable to their enemies. *"
Bryan supported his royal grandeur, by a splendid court, while he kept a most
sumptuousandhospitabletable,suitedtohisdignity; for,lavishexpenditure
characterized all the great royal establishments of that period. The place of
his residence, according to most writers, was Ceann Coradh, where his retinue
was becoming the majesty of an Irish monarch. *' It is stated, by others, how-
ever, that this monarch pulled down the royal seat of Cean-Coradh, which
was about a mile beyond Killaloe, as it had become ruinous, and that he con-
verted it into kitchens and offices. At a place, some distance from it, he
erected a noble banqueting-house. From the kitchens were two long gal-
leries,*^ or corridors, parallel to each other, and carried across a flat to the
banqueting-house. This place was called Ball-Boromha, or the Habitation
ofBoromha. Fromthis,awoodenbridgewascarriedacrosstheShannon,
for the convenience of his house. The stone one lower down was strongly
fortified,*^ and opposite it were his wine cellars. That place afterwards bore
the name of " the wine store," or " Thither Cloch-na-Fhionne, building. "**
the chief provinces of the Island brought their subsidies and contributions. These were very large, to defray the expenses of his royal court. *' Bryan sup-
's Of these, Dr. Petrie furnishes illustra- tions.
'"See Dr. George Petrie's work, "The Ec- clesiastical Architecture and Round Towers of Ireland," part ii. , sect, i. , sub-sec. i. , pp. 28110284.
" According to the fragment, thought to be Mac Liag's Life of this Monarch, and which is now preserved among the Manu- scripts of Trinity College, Dublin.
'^ See Dr. George Petrie's " Ecclesiatical Architecture and Round Towers of Ire- land," part ii. , sect, iii. , sub-sect. ^3, pp. 389, 390.
was Cormac, the son of Art, son to Conn, the renowned hero of the Hundred Battles ; while the third was the most illustrious Bryan Boiroimha, King of Ireland,
*'
See Dermod O'Connor's Keating's "General History of Ireland," Bookii. , p. 486.
'' One hundred servants every day were arranged at dinner and supper, in each of these galleries, in order to serve and remove the dishes witli sufficient celerity.
*' This was evident, in the time of Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran.
'''See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene- ? « It is a parish, in the barony of Upper ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. ,
TuUa, and shown on the
"
Ordnance Survey
itself is marked on sheet 28.
^ Of these excellent monarch? , they
esteem the first to have been Conaire, the Great, the son of Eidirsgeoil ; the second
chap, vii. , pp. 256, 257.
'^ An account of these has been particulars
transmitted to us, by a celebrated poet and
antiquary, in a poem beginning with these words: " Boiroimhe balie na Riogh. " This writer expressly relates the constant tribute, both of provisions and of other necessaries.
Townland for the Maps
of Clare," sheets 13, 20, 28, 29, 36, 37. The townland
County
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 377
ported hisprincely character, with liberality and magnificence; while he exceeded the munificence and state of most, among those monarchs, wno were his pre- decessorsonthethrone. Thosegreatrevenues,thatwereannuallypaidinto the exchequer of this prince, by the several countries throughout the island, furnished evidence 01 that pomp and grandeur, distinguishing his royal court at Ceann Coradh. The quantity and quality of provisions, that were daily consumed, are scarce credible; yet, are such accounts on record, in Irish docu- ments. *^ Byran laid down injunctions, for regulating the precedence of the kings and chieftains,^' whenever they took places in the public assemblies, con- vened through his summons. ** None of whatever quality, moreover, among the nobility, were permitted to wear arms, in the court of this prince, but the noble tribe of the Dailgais, who formed his household troops. *9
This self-appointed and popularly accepted sovereign was vigilant in con- trolingdisaffection,whenhepossessedsupremepower. Thishewielded,onlyfor maintenance of law and justice. Turbulence was restrained among the native
kings, chiefs and people, by a judicious application of policy, towards concilia- ting public opinion, and by occasional manifestations of material force, to sup-
press every attempt at disturbance. ^" Under the kindly administration of this monarch, the Kingdom of Ireland gradually recovered from the scenes of desolation and havoc, caused by foreign and domestic wars ; while compara-
tive tranquillity and plenty characterized the years of his sovereignty. '" King Brian was sufficiently politic, to select his time for action, and the opportuni- ties for combining his means and power, before he ventured to enforce his
authority. ThusdidhisreignbecomemostprosperousforIreland,andthere
that was paid, not only by the two provinces of Munster, but by the other three provinces of the Island.
** The particulars are specified, in Der- mod O'Connor's Keating's "General His-
tory of Ireland," and in the following order 2,670 beeves, 1,370 hogs, 180 loads or tons
^ On this subject of Irish classes in society and their privileges, see Eugene O'Curry's
"
Manners and Customs of the Ancient Irish,'] edited by W. K. Sullivan, Ph. D. , vol. iii. Appendix ii. , pp. 465 to 522.
"* By having recourse to the poetical com- position mentioned by Keating, the several orders are at large expressed, as that docu- ment states.
"» As translated from the original Irish of Keating, t—he following verses testify to this privilege :
"The most illustrious tribe of Dailgais Alone were honoured with the privi-
lege
Of wearing arms when they appear'd
at court. " Dermod O'Connor's
of iron, 325 hogsheads or pipes of red wine,
and 1 50 pipes of other wines of various sorts,
and 500 mantles. These annual tributes, ap- pointed for the use and service of the crown,
were laid by public laws upon the several countries of the Island, and in the following proportion : 800 cows and 800 hogs were
fixed upon the province of Connaught, and appointed to be sent . innually, upon the first
day of November ; 500 cloaks and mantles
and 500 cows « ere to be supplieil from the country of Tyrconnell 60 and 60 —
; hogs,
loads or tons of iron was the yearly tribute of the inhabitants of Tir Eogain j 1 50 cows, and 150 hogs were to be paid by the Clana Rughraidhe, in the province of Ulster ; 160 cows was the contribution of the Oirgial- lachs ; 300 beeves, 300 hogs, and 300 loads or tons of iron, were to be paid by the pro- vinceofLeinster; 60beeves,60hogs,and 60 loads or tons of iron, were provided by the people of Ossory ; 1 50 pipes or hogs- beads of wine was the proportion of the Danes, who inhabited the City of Dublin ; while 365 pipes or hogsheads of red wine was the yearly tribute demanded from the DanesofLimerick. SeetheSecondBook,
pp. 486 to 488.
"General History of Ireland," Second Book, pp. 488,
:
489.
y See Rev. James Wills' "Lives of Illus-
trious and Distinguished Irishmen," vol. ! . , part i. , Second Period, p. 205.
«' In Dr. " General of Keating's History
Ireland,"as translated by Dermod O'Connor,
the — verses indicate this following state
happiness :
" The most renowned Bryen Boiroimhe Governed the isle in peace; and
through his reign
The Irish were a brave and wealthy
people.
And wars and discord ceased. "
of
Keating's
378 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
can be little question, that his faculty for administration was excellent,9' while his decrees were universally respected. Restless chiefs were kept in awe, and the ruthless Danes were restrained from those incessant and well- organized raids, arising from the sanctioned practice of robbery on an exten- sive scale ;93 while some native chiefs were ready to combine with the foreigner, because it suited their selfish purposes, and satisfied some ignoble passion or personal rivalry. This most enlightened sovereign did a great deal to strengthen Ireland, by promoting and by cultivating the gentle arts of peace, although the unhappy circumstances of his epoch kept him almost perpetually, intheturmoilsofwar. Asanadministrator,heappliedtotherevisionofestab- lished laws, into which corruptions and abuse had crept f^ while he attended mostsedulously,totheirjustapplicationandexecution. Anadvanceinnational prosperity, even under inveterate social and political disadvantages, must have beengreatlydeveloped; and,undoubtedly,itfollowedthemeans,hesowell andsowiselyadopted. Thosegoodlaws,sanctionedbythemonarch,andevery- where executed with strictness and impartiality,9s had impressed the minds of his people, and had inspired his subjects, with a spirit of honour, integrity and virtue. As an instance of the practical results of good government, it is recorded, that a maiden in the flush of youth, and " beautiful exceedingly,? ^ had travelled alone and on foot, throughout the realm, without either her honour or her treasure being assailed. ^ It is stated, that she set out from Torach,9' in the north of Ireland, carrying a gold-ring on a horse-rod,99 and that she arrived, at a place, called Tonn Cliodhna,'°° which lay at the utmost distance from her point of departure,'"' and in the extremest part of the southern province. This romantic statement is found, in some Irish bardic verses,""^ which have been often quoted. —
The monarch
equalled those of any prince in Europe on objects of solid improvement
9' See Alexander G.
on the History of Ireland, down to A. D. 1534. " Lect. iii. , p. 67.
'3 Wemaywell question the accuracy of
the following account regarding Bryan, and
and that fine so composition,
given in these vague terms
" :
He
extirpated, dispersed, banished, caused to fly, stripped, maimed, ruined, and destroyed the foreigners in every district and in every territory throughout the breadth of all Erinn. He killed also their kings, and their chieftains,
their heroes and brave soldiers, their n)en of renown and valour. He enslaved and reduced to bondage their stewards and their collec- tors, and their swordsmen, their mercena- lies, and comely, large, cleanly yo—uths, and their smooth, youthful girls. " CojA'ch 54et)1iel tie jAlLdibh, chap. Ixxix. , pp. 136 to 139. An Irish Poem is quoted, on the authority of which, apparently, the fore- going statement is based.
"
'>* See Dr. Jeoffrey Keating's General
<>• " Or the
chap, vii. , p. 255.
9° See Ferd. Warner's "
land,"vol. i. , BookX.
the death of the Rev. Edmond Kavanagh,"
in "Journal of the Kilkenny and South-east
of Ireland Archjeological Society. " New Series, vol. i. , part i. , p. 127.
9' The poet Moore has made that tradition
History
of Ire-
'">" These are to be in Dr. found,
Jeoffrey
much of—
his revenues said to have
expended public
Richey's
Melodies,"
dramatic and inspiring, is set to a charming, well-known air :—
" Rich and rare were the gems she wore,
And a bright gold ring on her wand she bore ;
But oh ! her beauty was far beyond Her sparkling gems, or snow-white
wand. "
^ Now Tory Island, off the coast of Done- gal. See Cogax^h Jae-ohet He S^LlAibh, chap. Ixxx. , pp.
3' Tlie old annalist remarks, that went they
westwards ; but south-westwanily probably describes much better, their line of march. Westwards will apply to the men of Con- naught, who belonged to the host, but not to those of Ossory, who dwelt southwards of the point, where their dispersion took place. In the Co5«T)h jAeoheL He SatLAibli, their course, when disbanded, is correctly given.
3^ Those living in England.
Gaedhii].
Calvus Perennis [lit.
[this],
Bald for ever," i. e.
I have written that is
Mael-suthain] in the sight [under the eyes] of Brian Emperor of the Scots, and what I have written he determined for all the kings of Macerlae {i. e. , Cashel or Munster"]. See ibid. Explanation of the Fac-Similes. R. pp. 653. 654-
3' See Professor Eugene O'Curry's "Lec- tures on the Manuscript Materials of Ancient Lrish History," Lect. xvi. , p. 343.
"
[I]
a
gift, that deserved his thanks.
without receiving
horse,
other
Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 752, 753.
3* The place of this name, referred to by
the Four Masters, at the years 770, 778, 868, 969, is the present Castle Kieran, near Kells, in the county of Meath. But, from references to the sea and to the plain of Bre-
gia, in this passage, it would appear, that the Belach-duin, here mentioned, was in the present county of Louth. It is probably in- tended for Belach-Duna-Dealgan, i. e. , the road or pass of Dundalk, according to Dr.
372 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
naval expedition ; and, it is said, he summoned the Gaill of Ath-Cliath and of Port Lairge, as likewise, the mariners of Ui Ceinnselaigh and of the Ui Eathach ofMumhain,totakepartinit. Thisexpeditionappearstohavebeenthreatened,
againsttheSaxons,^^theBritons,39andtheScotsofAlban/" Inthehistory of these people, we find no records, regarding that maritime invasion. How- ever, about this period, the Saxons suffered greatly under tlie Scandinavian oppressions ;<' and, they were obliged to purchase their temporary safety, by paying large tributes to the conquerors. •'' We are at a loss to know, whether Bryan's ships were sent against the Northmen, settled in Saxonland, or against the Saxons themselves. Again, the people of Wales had to sustain repeated attacks from the Danes and from the Irish. ''3 In Scotland, that invasion must have occurred, during the reign of Malcolm II. , an able prince and a renowned leader ;'>'> but, it seems most probable, that he was in friendly alliance with Bryan, who only waged war with his enemies, the Norsemen in Scotland. The chiefs, commanding the Irish fleet, demanded and levied a heavy tribute from the people, whose shores they invaded. Hostages and pledges more- over were demanded and. taken for its exact payment. •ts
After his coronation at Tara, a Feis or national assembly was then convened, by Bryan. In it, many new and wholesome laws and regulations were framed. '*^ Here, too, the national history and records were revised, by his orders. One of thegreatsocialchanges,thatmarkedhisreign,mustbenoticed. Hegavesur- names as a distinction, to all the leading families of his time, and this was a well- considered measure of convenience and of policy. Knowing the great advan- tages to be derived from the preservation of pedigrees and genealogies, as also, in order to avoid probable confusion and mistake, in recording them, to Bryan Boiroimhe is attributed the idea of establishing surnames for the principal tribal chiefs and families of Ireland,^? so as thus to distinguish the several stocks
or branches of Milesian descent. ''^ Evidences, furnished by our authentic annals and pedigrees, are very strong, to support this belief. It is a fact, that the greater number of the more distinguished Irish family names were assumed from ancestors, who were cotemporary with this monarch,49 and who flourished in the tenth or in the beginning of the eleventh century. Each chief, according to Bryan's regulations, was to be called after some certain an- cestor, whose particular virtues should remind him regarding the family origin ; nor were titles to be imposed arbitrarily, as in other countries, according to the direction. Although such a custom had been introduced into Munster, in the days of Ceallachan, and into other provinces, it had been confined to
39 Or the inhabitants of W. nles.
<° These are specified as the Lemhnaigh (Lennox people) of Alba, and the Airer- Gaedhil, or people of Argyle.
* See John Speed's "History of GreatBri-
taine," Book vii. , chap, xliiii. , pp. 393 to
395.
•" See Matthew of Westminster's " Flores
and of arts, as also to every one, v/ho was most in need of it. See CogA'oh JdeDhet He jALliibh, chap, xxviii. , pp. 136, 137.
** According to the Bruodin Chronicle, cited by Dr. Sj'lve. ster O'Halloran. The Bruodins were hereditary historians of North Munster.
" Such is the statement found, in an ori-
gmal Latin MS. , as quoted by John O'Dono- van.
•' In the "Irish Penny Journal," vol, i. , John O'Donovan has written a series of very
Historiarum," pp. 386, 387. "
<3 See Charles Wilkins' Wales, Past and
Present," chap, xiii. , p. 80.
** He ruled from a. D. 1003 to 1033. See
"
Rev. James Taylor's Pictorial History of interesting articles, on the "Origin and
Scotland," vol. i. , chap, iv. , pp. 37, 38.
« We are told, tliat Bryan distributed all this tribute according to established right, viz. : athirdpartofit totheKingof. \th- Cliath ; a tliird to the warriors of Laighin and of the Ui Eathach, of Mumhain; with
another third to the of sciences professors
Meaning of Irish Family Names. " See No. 41, pp. 326 to 328; No. 42, pp. 330 to
332 ; No. 46, pp. 365 to 366 ; No. 48, pp. 381to384; No. 50,pp. 396to398; No. 51, pp. 405 to 407; No. 52, pp. 413 to 415.
*' See itdd. , No. 46, p.
365.
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 373
veryfewfamilies; however,fromthebeginningofBryanBoroimha'sreign, it came into very general use. Thus, from the sovereign of that day, his descendants assumed the name O'Brian, or the descendants of Bryan. From his renowned brother Mahon, the issue of this latter prince retained the title ofMacMahon,orsonsofMahon. Thechiefofeachfamily,althoughbear- ing another name, were distinguished only by a surname, the other brandies and families having their particular name prefixed to it. 5° Territories were allotted to the surnames,5' and such distribution seems to have been desira-
ble, in the interests of prevailing clanship.
This monarch conceived an enlightened idea, applicable to the state of
Ireland, in his time. He found a hierarchy of distinction already existent, and he instituted the degrees of chief, of poet, and of ecclesiastic, 5= with i)ro- bably some special prerogatives allotted to each class. The commons of the kingdom, who were lords of lands, the farmers, and the lowest degree of the people, were endowed with immunities, through the munificence of this prince. He bestowed upon the native Irish, whatever territories he had conquered from the Danes ; and, if those who were the original proprietors happened to be alive, and could give evidence of their right, they were settled and confirmed, in their former possessions. 53 This monarch fixed the boundaries of every
lordship or cantred ; and, such registration, with a title-deed, was a necessary
safeguard, to preserve tlie rights of property.
Bishops and pastors, who had been driven from their places, in conse-
quence of the public disorders prevailing, were restored, through the pious monarch's solicitude and influence. His vigorous, prudent, and Christian
- policy,soonplacedBryanonabasisofpowerandofright,whichlefthimpre- eminentamongthegreatestmenofhisage. Whenhehadwiselyregulatedthe national system, he despatched ambassadors to the different princes of Europe, announcing his election to the Irish monarchy. '* With the embas-
sies were sent fine horses, wolf-dogs and hawks, as presents for the respective kings, for such were the courtesies of that time in Ireland.
Much of the romance and exaggeration in praise of this popular hero must be distrusted, however, and our historians have often exceeded that legiti- mate line of narrative, which alone should interest the candid enquirer. Thus, when it is stated, that Bryan never refused science from the night of his birth to the night of his death,55 we may fairly infer, that when he had the oppor- tunity, he loved to encourage learning and learned men, everywhere through- out his dominions. 5^ Weare even told, that as the Northmen had wantonly destroyed books and writings, in every church and sanctuary, from the begin-
ningtotheendoftheirswayinIreland; hesentlearnedmen,withmoney furnished by himself, to buy books beyond the sea, so that the losses effected,
through fire and water, might thus be replaced, by learned works which they werecommissionedtopurcliase. s? Enoughisknowntoconvinceus,thatacon- siderable improvement in the state of Ireland distinguished the reign of Bryan.
5« " Certain it that the few Irish who 53 0r. " General His- is, Jeoffrey Keating's
have still preserved their family honours, tory of Ireland," translated by Dermod
should, in justice, take precedence of the pre- sent nobilily of Europe, as being allodial, or titles from the most remote antiquity, wher—e- as these lost are at best of modern date. "
"
O'Connor, Book ii. , p. 485.
5* According to the Bruodin Chronicle, cited by O'Halloran.
General His- tory of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, vii. ,
eulogistic fragment, supposed to have been written by Mac Liag.
^^ See Joseph Cooper Walker's " Histori- cal Memoirs of the Irish Bards," sect, iv. ,
p. 59.
s' See Cos^voh 5<iet)liel Tie 5AlLAibJi,
ctap- lJ»3t-, pp. 138, 139,
Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's
p, 255.
5' According to Mac Liag's supposed frag-
ment, relating to Bryan's Life.
5' Accordin to Mac Liag's attributed
fragment.
5S
These are expressions, found in the
374 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
Besides the constant revenue, which arose from the two provinces of Mun- ster, and which was paid yearly into his exchequer,5' other large subsidies
were contributed, when Bryan \yas acknowledged as supreme monarch over Ireland. Schools and colleges 59 arose, wherever they were most required ; while those that had been destroyed by the foreigners, or that had fallen into decay, were revived, in several parts of the kingdom. He appointed pro- fessors and masters, to teach wisdom and knowlege. *° In their nurseries of learning, the liberal sciences with the various branches of sacred and of human knowledge were taught ; public hospices and libraries were built for poor stu- dents, and a provision was made for youth of promising hopes, who were unabletosupportthemselves. Bryananimatedtimidmerit,bywell-grounded hopes. *' Thus were the universities and monasteries enriched, while they were governed by regular discipline, which effected the training of persons having excellent abilities in all professions. The Irish schools revived, and the decayed state of learning no longer existed. The professors not only con- cerned tliemselves, by instructing the youth of their own kingdom, but they were also of excellent use, in polishing and enlightening the rude and illiter- ate of neighbouring nations. '"
The offerings of Bryan, at the shrines of various holy places, are recorded. This generosity affords an additional proof of his zeal for the interests of reli- gion, and of that earnest spirit of piety, which specially marked his grand cha- racter. Many great works and repairs were made by him. 's Religious houses and hospitals were endowed or aided by Bryan, who always delighted in the com- panionship of bishops, priests, and monks ; while this conduct procured for him the zealous support of the secular clergy, and from the regular houses the gratitude of their highly influential inmates. During his reign, the exam- ple and exhortations of the Irish clergy wonderfully facilitated the conversion and civilization of the foreigners. ** The monarch delighted to spend a con- siderable portion of his revenues in founding, building, or repairing sanctua- ries, cathedrals and churches ; while his general and generous alms,*5 towards several religious establishments throughout Ireland, filled the minds of all his subjects with admiration for that munificence, which did not subordinate the spiritual needs both of clergy and laity, to even the exigencies of his civil administration. In addition to the church of Cell Dalua,*' he erected dam- iiacs^'! and diiirtheachs^^ throughout Ireland ; besides seven monasteries and various cells. *? Several of these special erections are noticed. The church on Holy Island,? " Lough Derg, is said to have been restored or remodelled,
by Bryan Boroimhe, when monarch of Ireland, in the early part of the eleventh century, It consisted of a nave, measuring thirty feet internally, and having a breadth of twenty-one feet, the chancel being a square of about
*5 Lands, cattle and furniture were in- eluded among these gifts, as we find them re- corded.
'*' Or Killaloe. See Co5at)1i 5<iet)hel lie jAlliibli, chap. Ixxx. , pp. 138, 139.
'? Interpreted to mean, churches built with stone.
5' See Rev. Dr.
" Gene-
Jeoffrey Keating's
ral History of Ireland, Book ii. , p. 486.
Dermod O'Connor's translation.
59 Called
and Filean
Theological by Joseph Cooper Walker.
Colleges,
*" See CogdX)! ! 5<ser>Viet fie 5Al,tAibli,
chap. Ixxx. , pp. 138, 139.
'' "'*
Supposed to be small penitential cells, or private oratories.
*» According to the Life of Bryan Boroimha, attributed to Mac Liag, his secre-
tary.
'" There is a sketch of this scene, by Ben-
jamin Clayton, in "The Irish Penny Maga- '< See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene- zine," vol. i. . No. 36. It is followed, by ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi.
, John D'Alton's article, with historic and
chap, vii. , p. 255. topogiaphical notices. See pp. 281, 282.
See Joseph Cooper Walker's Histori- cal Memoirs of the Irish Bards," sect. iv. .
'3 See CosAT)! ! jAeoheb Tie jAllAibli,
p. 59.
'" See Dr.
" General History of Ireland," Book ii. , p. 484.
chap. Ixxx. , pp. 138, 139.
Jeoffrey Keating's
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 375
fifteen feet. '' A fine window in the southern wall is round-headed, and it has varied semi-cylindrical mouldings, very deeply cut. ? ^ This style seems pecu-
liar to Ireland, about that period, although its prototypes, most probably, may beelsewherediscovered. Theornamentalportionsofthischurcharechiefly
Old Cfaurch on Inis-Caltra, Lower Shannon.
found, in its western doorway, and in its chancel arch ; although only por- tions of the side walls now remain, in the chancel. These walls are of ashlar masonry, and they differ totally in character from those of the nave. '^ Theyareprobablycotemporaneou^withits ornamentalfeatures,oratleast, with some of them. ? '* A portion of the entrance doorway only remains, at present ; it consisted externally of three concentric and receding semi-circular arches, ornamented on thin faces with chevron-moulding, and carved in hol- low lines. The piers of these arches were rectangular, but somewhat rounded at their angles. They form semi-cylindrical shafts, with angular mouldings on each side; on their capitals are well-shaped human faces, carved in low re- lief. The chancel arch is less distinguished for ornament than the doorway,
. ' In the opinion of Dr. Petrie, these mea-
surements seem to l)e those of St. Caimin's
original church, which was erected in the
seventh century, as appeared obvious to him, from the character of the masonry, and from
some features in the nave, which, if remodel-
led, was never wholly destroyed.
'' It is ornamented with an architrave,
very similar in style to that of the doorways, in many of the Round Towers. Another window is there, which appears to be ori- ginal, having a horizontal bead and inclined
sides. In the middle of the west gable, and towards it? summit, there is a small triangu- lar window, formed of three stones. Dr. Petrie gives illustrations of these several win- dows, m his work.
" The present illustration, drawn on the spot, and transferred to the wood, by William
F. Wakeman, has been engraved by Mrs. Millard.
'* Doubts may be entertained, that all of
these features are of cotemporaneous age, or of very ancient erection.
376 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
and, on its western face, it was formed of three concentric and recessed arches. It is double-faced, on its eastern or inner side. The arches consist simply of square-edged rib-work ; the ornamental sculpture is confined to the piers, whichareroundedintosemi-columns,adornedwithcapitals. 's Itisdoubtful,
whether the doorway and chancel-arch of this church be of cotemporaneous architecture ; but, there is no reason to suppose, that either of them is later than Bryan's time, when the church is stated to have been restored, or re- built. That monarch's restoration is thought, however, to have been confined tothechancel. '' Amongtheworksheinauguratedorcompletedaresaid to have been no less than thirty-two cloichieachs,'''' or bell-towers, which are supposed to have been indentical with our Irish Round Towers. '* One of these erected at Tomgraney,w in the county of Clare, a. d. 964, was repaired byBryanBoroimha. But,wedonotfindacompleteanddetailedlistofhis various ecclesiastical erections.
The early historians reckon this excellent monarch, among the number
of those heroic and munificent kings, that sat upon the Irish throne. They
always mention him, as the third sovereign, whose conduct and heroic virtues
raised the reputation of the Irish, and made them formidable to their enemies. *"
Bryan supported his royal grandeur, by a splendid court, while he kept a most
sumptuousandhospitabletable,suitedtohisdignity; for,lavishexpenditure
characterized all the great royal establishments of that period. The place of
his residence, according to most writers, was Ceann Coradh, where his retinue
was becoming the majesty of an Irish monarch. *' It is stated, by others, how-
ever, that this monarch pulled down the royal seat of Cean-Coradh, which
was about a mile beyond Killaloe, as it had become ruinous, and that he con-
verted it into kitchens and offices. At a place, some distance from it, he
erected a noble banqueting-house. From the kitchens were two long gal-
leries,*^ or corridors, parallel to each other, and carried across a flat to the
banqueting-house. This place was called Ball-Boromha, or the Habitation
ofBoromha. Fromthis,awoodenbridgewascarriedacrosstheShannon,
for the convenience of his house. The stone one lower down was strongly
fortified,*^ and opposite it were his wine cellars. That place afterwards bore
the name of " the wine store," or " Thither Cloch-na-Fhionne, building. "**
the chief provinces of the Island brought their subsidies and contributions. These were very large, to defray the expenses of his royal court. *' Bryan sup-
's Of these, Dr. Petrie furnishes illustra- tions.
'"See Dr. George Petrie's work, "The Ec- clesiastical Architecture and Round Towers of Ireland," part ii. , sect, i. , sub-sec. i. , pp. 28110284.
" According to the fragment, thought to be Mac Liag's Life of this Monarch, and which is now preserved among the Manu- scripts of Trinity College, Dublin.
'^ See Dr. George Petrie's " Ecclesiatical Architecture and Round Towers of Ire- land," part ii. , sect, iii. , sub-sect. ^3, pp. 389, 390.
was Cormac, the son of Art, son to Conn, the renowned hero of the Hundred Battles ; while the third was the most illustrious Bryan Boiroimha, King of Ireland,
*'
See Dermod O'Connor's Keating's "General History of Ireland," Bookii. , p. 486.
'' One hundred servants every day were arranged at dinner and supper, in each of these galleries, in order to serve and remove the dishes witli sufficient celerity.
*' This was evident, in the time of Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran.
'''See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene- ? « It is a parish, in the barony of Upper ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. ,
TuUa, and shown on the
"
Ordnance Survey
itself is marked on sheet 28.
^ Of these excellent monarch? , they
esteem the first to have been Conaire, the Great, the son of Eidirsgeoil ; the second
chap, vii. , pp. 256, 257.
'^ An account of these has been particulars
transmitted to us, by a celebrated poet and
antiquary, in a poem beginning with these words: " Boiroimhe balie na Riogh. " This writer expressly relates the constant tribute, both of provisions and of other necessaries.
Townland for the Maps
of Clare," sheets 13, 20, 28, 29, 36, 37. The townland
County
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 377
ported hisprincely character, with liberality and magnificence; while he exceeded the munificence and state of most, among those monarchs, wno were his pre- decessorsonthethrone. Thosegreatrevenues,thatwereannuallypaidinto the exchequer of this prince, by the several countries throughout the island, furnished evidence 01 that pomp and grandeur, distinguishing his royal court at Ceann Coradh. The quantity and quality of provisions, that were daily consumed, are scarce credible; yet, are such accounts on record, in Irish docu- ments. *^ Byran laid down injunctions, for regulating the precedence of the kings and chieftains,^' whenever they took places in the public assemblies, con- vened through his summons. ** None of whatever quality, moreover, among the nobility, were permitted to wear arms, in the court of this prince, but the noble tribe of the Dailgais, who formed his household troops. *9
This self-appointed and popularly accepted sovereign was vigilant in con- trolingdisaffection,whenhepossessedsupremepower. Thishewielded,onlyfor maintenance of law and justice. Turbulence was restrained among the native
kings, chiefs and people, by a judicious application of policy, towards concilia- ting public opinion, and by occasional manifestations of material force, to sup-
press every attempt at disturbance. ^" Under the kindly administration of this monarch, the Kingdom of Ireland gradually recovered from the scenes of desolation and havoc, caused by foreign and domestic wars ; while compara-
tive tranquillity and plenty characterized the years of his sovereignty. '" King Brian was sufficiently politic, to select his time for action, and the opportuni- ties for combining his means and power, before he ventured to enforce his
authority. ThusdidhisreignbecomemostprosperousforIreland,andthere
that was paid, not only by the two provinces of Munster, but by the other three provinces of the Island.
** The particulars are specified, in Der- mod O'Connor's Keating's "General His-
tory of Ireland," and in the following order 2,670 beeves, 1,370 hogs, 180 loads or tons
^ On this subject of Irish classes in society and their privileges, see Eugene O'Curry's
"
Manners and Customs of the Ancient Irish,'] edited by W. K. Sullivan, Ph. D. , vol. iii. Appendix ii. , pp. 465 to 522.
"* By having recourse to the poetical com- position mentioned by Keating, the several orders are at large expressed, as that docu- ment states.
"» As translated from the original Irish of Keating, t—he following verses testify to this privilege :
"The most illustrious tribe of Dailgais Alone were honoured with the privi-
lege
Of wearing arms when they appear'd
at court. " Dermod O'Connor's
of iron, 325 hogsheads or pipes of red wine,
and 1 50 pipes of other wines of various sorts,
and 500 mantles. These annual tributes, ap- pointed for the use and service of the crown,
were laid by public laws upon the several countries of the Island, and in the following proportion : 800 cows and 800 hogs were
fixed upon the province of Connaught, and appointed to be sent . innually, upon the first
day of November ; 500 cloaks and mantles
and 500 cows « ere to be supplieil from the country of Tyrconnell 60 and 60 —
; hogs,
loads or tons of iron was the yearly tribute of the inhabitants of Tir Eogain j 1 50 cows, and 150 hogs were to be paid by the Clana Rughraidhe, in the province of Ulster ; 160 cows was the contribution of the Oirgial- lachs ; 300 beeves, 300 hogs, and 300 loads or tons of iron, were to be paid by the pro- vinceofLeinster; 60beeves,60hogs,and 60 loads or tons of iron, were provided by the people of Ossory ; 1 50 pipes or hogs- beads of wine was the proportion of the Danes, who inhabited the City of Dublin ; while 365 pipes or hogsheads of red wine was the yearly tribute demanded from the DanesofLimerick. SeetheSecondBook,
pp. 486 to 488.
"General History of Ireland," Second Book, pp. 488,
:
489.
y See Rev. James Wills' "Lives of Illus-
trious and Distinguished Irishmen," vol. ! . , part i. , Second Period, p. 205.
«' In Dr. " General of Keating's History
Ireland,"as translated by Dermod O'Connor,
the — verses indicate this following state
happiness :
" The most renowned Bryen Boiroimhe Governed the isle in peace; and
through his reign
The Irish were a brave and wealthy
people.
And wars and discord ceased. "
of
Keating's
378 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
can be little question, that his faculty for administration was excellent,9' while his decrees were universally respected. Restless chiefs were kept in awe, and the ruthless Danes were restrained from those incessant and well- organized raids, arising from the sanctioned practice of robbery on an exten- sive scale ;93 while some native chiefs were ready to combine with the foreigner, because it suited their selfish purposes, and satisfied some ignoble passion or personal rivalry. This most enlightened sovereign did a great deal to strengthen Ireland, by promoting and by cultivating the gentle arts of peace, although the unhappy circumstances of his epoch kept him almost perpetually, intheturmoilsofwar. Asanadministrator,heappliedtotherevisionofestab- lished laws, into which corruptions and abuse had crept f^ while he attended mostsedulously,totheirjustapplicationandexecution. Anadvanceinnational prosperity, even under inveterate social and political disadvantages, must have beengreatlydeveloped; and,undoubtedly,itfollowedthemeans,hesowell andsowiselyadopted. Thosegoodlaws,sanctionedbythemonarch,andevery- where executed with strictness and impartiality,9s had impressed the minds of his people, and had inspired his subjects, with a spirit of honour, integrity and virtue. As an instance of the practical results of good government, it is recorded, that a maiden in the flush of youth, and " beautiful exceedingly,? ^ had travelled alone and on foot, throughout the realm, without either her honour or her treasure being assailed. ^ It is stated, that she set out from Torach,9' in the north of Ireland, carrying a gold-ring on a horse-rod,99 and that she arrived, at a place, called Tonn Cliodhna,'°° which lay at the utmost distance from her point of departure,'"' and in the extremest part of the southern province. This romantic statement is found, in some Irish bardic verses,""^ which have been often quoted. —
The monarch
equalled those of any prince in Europe on objects of solid improvement
9' See Alexander G.
on the History of Ireland, down to A. D. 1534. " Lect. iii. , p. 67.
'3 Wemaywell question the accuracy of
the following account regarding Bryan, and
and that fine so composition,
given in these vague terms
" :
He
extirpated, dispersed, banished, caused to fly, stripped, maimed, ruined, and destroyed the foreigners in every district and in every territory throughout the breadth of all Erinn. He killed also their kings, and their chieftains,
their heroes and brave soldiers, their n)en of renown and valour. He enslaved and reduced to bondage their stewards and their collec- tors, and their swordsmen, their mercena- lies, and comely, large, cleanly yo—uths, and their smooth, youthful girls. " CojA'ch 54et)1iel tie jAlLdibh, chap. Ixxix. , pp. 136 to 139. An Irish Poem is quoted, on the authority of which, apparently, the fore- going statement is based.
"
'>* See Dr. Jeoffrey Keating's General
<>• " Or the
chap, vii. , p. 255.
9° See Ferd. Warner's "
land,"vol. i. , BookX.
the death of the Rev. Edmond Kavanagh,"
in "Journal of the Kilkenny and South-east
of Ireland Archjeological Society. " New Series, vol. i. , part i. , p. 127.
9' The poet Moore has made that tradition
History
of Ire-
'">" These are to be in Dr. found,
Jeoffrey
much of—
his revenues said to have
expended public
Richey's
Melodies,"
dramatic and inspiring, is set to a charming, well-known air :—
" Rich and rare were the gems she wore,
And a bright gold ring on her wand she bore ;
But oh ! her beauty was far beyond Her sparkling gems, or snow-white
wand. "
^ Now Tory Island, off the coast of Done- gal. See Cogax^h Jae-ohet He S^LlAibh, chap. Ixxx. , pp.
